FSV Mainz 05 - 1.FC Köln

This is the last encounter of this Round and it should be a close one. Both playing a really great Season so far and they are very close to an international spot but for this they have to continue the good work and play also results wise. Nevertheless Mainz is searching that they can replace one of their most important player in second half of the Season. Because they sold Malli to VfL Wolfsburg for 12 Mio. during the winter break. This was good for their budget but it was not the best way for the strength of the team overall. This is a big lose and it must be compensate form the team now. A big task what Coach Schmitt and Mainz has to do now. He scored 6 goals and gave a lot of assists as well. He was the head in their offensive play, such a player is hard to find and hard to replace as well. Of course they have to life with the situation now ..... The next big blow is that important striker Cordoba who works really hard for the team is suspended here. The next puzzle Schmitt has to find for the starting lineup. But with Muto he has a player back who was long injured in first half of the Season. The others should be ready.
In Cologne they are dreaming for more above all the fans. After a great Season so far where they are very hard to play and to beat as well. Coach Stöger and Manager Schmadke did a great job and they have an excellent squad ready for the game today. In winter break there was not much rotation in the squad, only starter Mavraj left to Hamburger SV. Hard decision but should be replaced even. In goal Horn is not ready 100% and Kessler is his replacement again. Up front they need more help in scoring because 62% of the goals were scored from Modest what is the highest amount of a player in BL history so far. If this guy get injured in the upcoming weeks it is very hard for Cologne to get on scoreboard. Osaka and the other guys should be working harder to get more dangerous in front of the goal and help Modest more. The defensive is working well and Cologne is hard to beat what is a big plus for them as well.

- Mainz lost the last duel against Cologne ..... the first time after winning 5 in a row.
- Cologne scored 3 goals in last game in Mainz, the other 4 none.
- Only 2 from 12 matches were won by Cologne --  both in the last 3.
- Mainz scored 26 goals what is the second best in their BL history to this time.
- But they conceded also 30 what is a high for them as well.
- Mainz lost 4 of the last 5 BL games, but won 4 of the last 5 home games.
- M05 scored 14 of their last 16 BL goals at home.
- The last 3 matches ended all 1-1 for Cologne --- 1991 they managed 5 draws in a row.


I am expecting a close match although Mainz is very strong at home but with the lose from Malli they have to find each other in offensive play. Also the defensive is not easy to crack from Cologne. Although Mainz scored in almost all (only against Bayern Munich 1) their home games at least 2 goals it is hard to see them scoring this again above all without Malli and Cordoba. Cologne good defensive work and Modest up front who is always able to score can be very dangerous for Mainz 05 today. My choice COLOGNE AHC0 or +0,25.